Vermont

Destination Overview

Ahh, Vermont. The Green Mountain State is a honeymooner’s dream, packed to the brim with breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, a vibrant local culture and activities galore. Like its New England neighbors, Vermont works hard to preserve local history, charming visitors with postcard-perfect barns in the countryside and walkable downtowns lined with Victorian-style homes. Vermont’s vibe is different from other New England states, though, which is due in part to its geographic location. With historic ties to Quebec (the name “Vermont” literally means “Green Mountains” in French), the state’s culture has been heavily influenced by its proximity to Canada. What’s more, Vermont’s western border hugs the entire shoreline of Lake Champlain, boasting pretty beaches and striking sunset views of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. It’s no wonder newlyweds from all over flock to this state for romantic getaways.

If you haven’t already been captivated by the area’s natural beauty, Vermont’s charming culture will lure you back for your anniversary. No matter where you go, you’ll witness a sense of local pride that is unmatched by other states. Vermonters are proud of their home state and demonstrate this affection by consciously supporting the local economy. Farm-to-table restaurants around the state boast menus with labels identifying which local farms their ingredients are from (they’re often organic, too). Quaint shops selling local artisan clothing, crafts, and artwork can be found in most town centers, and each one is worth a day of wandering. If it’s a cultured retreat you seek, pay a visit to Montpelier, the funky state capital, Stowe, with classic beauty and stunning mountains, or Burlington, a hip hub of young creatives with killer views of Lake Champlain.

Vermont is an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland all year round. In the wintertime, it is home to some of the best downhill skiing on the East Coast of the U.S. Glide down the slopes of Stowe or Jay in the north, and Killington or Stratton in the south. Off the slopes, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling are widely available and popular alternatives for winter fun. In the spring and summer months Vermont really comes alive, revealing the lush, verdant, mountainous beauty which lead to its name. Hiking is the natural choice for a warm weather adventure in VT, followed by splashing around in a mountain stream or stand-up-paddle boarding in Lake Champlain. Grab your bikes and cruise along one of the state’s wonderfully scenic bike paths, or rent a canoe and set out to explore a serene lake. As the weather cools in September and October, bring your camera. Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Vermont, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll catch yourselves gazing in awe at the striking red, yellow and orange foliage blanketing the mountains, and you may never want to go back home. And no matter what season you’re in, be sure to look up: a starry night sky in Vermont is absolutely incredible.